Author – Amrit Santlani
The two title contenders this season met at the Etihad Stadium and it was Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City who stamped their authority with a 4-1 win over Arsenal. Kevin de Bruyne scored twice, John Stones put his name on the scoresheet, which ended with Erling Haaland surpassing Mohamed Salah’s record for most goals in a Premier League season after scoring his 33rd. It was an eventful day, with Liverpool picking up a hard-fought win, Chelsea losing at home, and Sheffield United sealing their return to the top flight after beating West Brom 2-0.
Ruthless Manchester City take control of title race with 4-1 win over Arsenal
After back-to-back draws in recent weeks allowed City to close the gap on Arsenal, the two giants came face-to-face, with Mikel Arteta’s side hoping to keep alive their slim hopes of beating Guardiola’s side to the title. However, a mediocre performance from their strikers, combined with a poor outing from Arsenal’s defense, meant that they were only two points clear, having played two more games than the reigning champions. They needed just seven minutes to open the scoring, Haaland combining with De Bruyne to send the Belgian through on goal and he beat Aaron Ramsdale to put City ahead.
Ramsdale kept his side in contention with many impressive saves throughout the first half, but just before the break, a header from Stones gave Guardiola’s side a two-goal lead. Initially, the goal was disallowed for offside, but the VAR checked and the goal stood. In the second half, Martin Odegaard’s mistake allowed Haaland to release De Bruyne again and he scored the third. Rob Holding reduced the deficit for Arsenal, but it was a mere consolation and not the start of a miraculous recovery, as Haaland added further gloss to the scoreline by scoring his 33rd Premier League goal of the season.
Liverpool record 2-1 comeback win over lively West Ham
Lucas Paquetá and Michail Antonio put in a great performance, and the star duo were involved in West Ham’s opening goal. The Brazilian midfielder exchanged a back and forth with Antonio and unleashed a powerful shot, leaving his compatriot Alisson beaten, and opening the scoring. Liverpool, however, didn’t stay behind for long, with Cody Gakpo. In the second half, Jarrod Bowen scored, but his goal was disallowed after a VAR check.
At the other end, Liverpool took the lead when West Ham’s defenders completely switched off and Joel Matip headed in from a corner. Thiago even touched the ball with his hand, but the penalty was not given and the score remained 2-1.
Chelsea remain winless under Frank Lampard after another 2-0 defeat against Brentford
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Chelsea’s disastrous campaign continues to go from bad to worse, as they suffered another 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge to fellow Londoners Brentford. Mathias Jorgensen scored with a header following a corner. Chelsea continued to increase the pressure in the second half, but lacked the precision to beat David Raya. In a beautiful counter-attack, Brentford scored their second goal.
In other results of the night, Nottingham Forest beat Brighton 3-1. Leeds drew 1-1 on Tuesday and Aston Villa beat Fulham 1-0. Wolves also beat Crystal Palace 2-0.